‘No one forgets that they were once captive, even if they are now free’

The novel “Homegoing” by first-time author Yaa Gyasi follows the family tree of two half-sisters born in 18th century Ghana. One sold into slavery and the other married off to a British soldier at the Cape Coast Castle. Through their voices, and their descendants, the novel tells the story of what it means to be black in the US.

Although born in Ghana, Gyasi was raised in the southern US state of Alabama and she says books were her “closest friends”. She says she got hooked on writing after she submitting her first story to a young author’s competition and receiving a letter of achievement for her effort.

Yaa Gyasi will join The Stream to discuss her best-selling novel and what being black in the US means to her.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Yaa Gyasi
Author, “Homegoing”
facebook.com/YaaGyasiAuthor

Nana Akosua Hanson @AkosuaHanson
Writer, actress
darkmosaic.blogspot.com

Erica Ayisi @Akosua0906
Journalist
ericaayisi.com

Travis Kurowski @traviskurowski
Writing professor, York College of Pennsylvania
traviskurowski.com

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